I understand now, that perhaps the 39 year old me did not; life is what you make of it. I know reads a little cliche, however it is my reality.  I have been given another year with my husband, children, grandson, family, and friends.  And I humbly thank God for the blessing.  There it is I said it…can’t take it back…wouldn’t even if I could. God has truly blessed me!

40 was a defining moment for me however, not in the adverse ways that I had imagined.  I made the decision in April of this year to tackle my battle with weight, and I did exactly that.  I am currently a member of Gold’s gym and I have put that membership to great use, through Zumba, Just Dance Roanoke, Body Pump, and jogging at least 3 to 5 miles every other day.

I ran in my first 5k for breast cancer awareness and cried when I got home, because I never dreamed of being able to complete a 5k.  The fact that the marathon was for such an amazing cause added immensely to my joy.  I am currently training for my next marathon to assist the Rescue Mission with their funding needs.

As I continue my journey through the 40′s there are a few things that I would still like to accomplish; finish my novel, in hope that it will inspire others to reach for their dreams as well.  I want to learn how to swim, and go on a zip-line in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.  I really would love to take a road trip…stop at any city that looks remotely cool and have a blast!!

The physicality of turning forty may not be within my control, but through hard work, monitoring and moderating what I choose to eat, I can make the 40′s look good.  I choose to live each day to the fullest, and simply enjoying the sweet things in life.

There is a preconception about love, some believe that love is defined by elaborate displays of affection. That you will hold hands at dusk while strolling through the park.  That you will receive a dozen of red roses simply because you are beautiful and he has never met a woman like you.  That he will purchase you expensive gifts in turquoise boxes with delicate wide white ribbons.  That after a long day of work, there will be a lavender scented bubble bath surrounded by vanilla scented candles waiting on you.  That you will receive as much love and devotion as you invest into your relationship.

That is the illusion.

That is the preconception.

We brought into that fairy tale after being read Cinderella when we still to young to understand the definition of the word fairy-tale. We buy into that idea every time we open a romance novel; where the male character is describe as a hero, that losses himself in the depths of a heroines gleaming eyes. The preconception can also be found in the greeting card aisle, magazine racks, billboards, love songs, lest not forget that incredible movie; where the loving couple walks off into the sunset without a care in the world. While for some this may be true- you may have that perfect man, a whirlwind romance that sweeps you off your feet daily.

I have learned that love- well true love is found in the momentary pauses. Yes, he will look at you as if no one else in the world exist. Although that normally happens as the children are running circles around you, as they fight over a toy and he is hoping you have an escape plan that will get you both out of there.

He will cook you dinner on the nights that you are to exhausted to move after a long day at work, all the while secretly hoping that you will be less likely to say, “not to tonight dear.”

He will be your shoulder to cry on; when dinner burns, the phone will not stop ringing,  you have a hundred emails to reply to, and someone thought it was funny to smear vanilla icing all over their brother’s face seconds before your mother in-laws stops by for an impromptu visit.

He may lean over late at night and whisper softly in your ear, although normally it’s to say, “slide over, your hogging the bed.”

He will make you crazy as you argue over bills, the children, the house, in-laws, although with him you feel safe enough to express your anger, frustration and fears.

Love isn’t always romantic, holding hands, flowers, expensive gifts, or elaborate displays of affection…but if it’s real… then it’s worth every second and you find that love in the momentary pauses.

“Thank God for blessing you with a life partner that works hard, loves harder and touches you softly.”

“Marriage is an alliance entered into by a man who can’t sleep with the window shut, and a woman who can’t sleep with the window open.” George Bernard Shaw

You ask for the sea, as I bring the mountain to your feet.

You ask for my heart, with my soul trapped within your grasp.

You ask for all of me, when I have given you everything.

So, you, I shall give you nothing, as to never disappoint.

Hidden Treasure

God has blessed me with the gift to tell stories.  Whether my  stories are read by a few friends or the world they must be told.  I have learned to share with others that which I treasure most…my stories, my feelings, but mostly my heart.

The truth is we all have hidden treasures locked inside; some due to the poisonous words of others, lack of motivation, fear of the unknown. If you have shielded your dreams from the world. I say take a chance and know that you are capable of beautiful and marvelous things.

My journey to rediscovering me continues with both heart and eyes wide open.

What have you discovered?

He speaks in silent reverence a gentle warm breeze tantalizing the coolness of my skin.
His breath dances across silky caramel, warm honey, sun-kissed, and onyx skin.
His wings consume me, soft feathery fingers travel over, under and through me.
He lifts my soul and I rise higher and higher and yes, higher still.
He carries me past the peaks of mountains and the clear turquoise seas.
We travel together.
I with him and him with me and I rise higher and higher and yes higher still.
He lies beside me in the meadow as the sweetness of morning dew scatters across my skin, and he speaks to me once again.

Christy is happily married to Guy Kass the couple share their lives with two beautiful cats Dakota and Gus both of which are spoiled rotten.

Christy was born and raised in McPherson, Kansas however she has lived in New Jersey for the past sixteen years. Christy is a 2009 graduate of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey where she received a BA degree in communication.

Christy’s professional works include numerous years as a newspaper editor. She also worked in public relations for several years before starting her own creative writing agency, The Recycled Writer. She is now a full-time freelancer with clients all over New Jersey and New York. Christy is also a part-time reporter for The Alternative Press, an online newspaper serving northern New Jersey. “When Christy reports for her newspaper she is passionate about the stories. Her drive is to insure that the story is right and more importantly that it comes from the heart.”

Christy’s friends describe her as many things funny, loving, compassionate, and giving. Christy’s easy going fun-loving nature is infectious which is why she’s loved by so many. “I have never met a more humanistic person than Christy. She not only provides tireless support to her family but friends as well.”

She volunteers in the local nursing homes providing comfort to those who are normally forgotten in our busy day-to-day lives. Christy was a Weight Watchers leader and helped counsel members on their weight loss journey. She reached her goal weight on the program ten years ago and decided to help others improve their health.  “Her soft gentle nature has the ability to soften the hardest disposition of others with her charm familiar humor and sweet smile.”

Christy specializes in creative non-fiction and is the author of The Shiksa’s Guide to Yiddish.  She is currently writing her second novel this one will be about women and food.

“When I was little and my mom would ask me what I wanted for my birthday cake, I always said confetti angel food. You know, the kind with little flecks of color in it. It just looked like happiness to me.” Christy Potter Kass

I can now say undoubtedly that although Confetti Angel Food Cake is sweet, Christy Potter Kass is definitely sweeter.

Sweet Thoughts:

“Christy is one of natures true blessings and a natural giver. This is a lady that is passionate about her environment and has fought on green issues through her work. This is the lady that will stop in her tracks on the sidewalk to pick up an earthworm to place it on the soil. She is selfless and compassionate, a mother in the true sense of the word and a truly beautiful soul. God bless you Christy potter and we thank the good lord he gave you to us.” Paul Merlin

Christy is a ray of sunshine just being herself. Her sense of humor is awesome and she constantly makes me smile and laugh out loud. Everything about her is pleasant, her mannerisms, her facial expressions, everything. And on top of that, she’s helpful and works hard at her craft. This is why I think she’s sweet. Towanda Long

“My history with Christy began about 4 years ago when I applied to work as her assistant I was fresh out of college — again; with little experience in the corporate world. She took a chance on me and I will forever appreciate that. She’s caring, intelligent and so easy to talk too.  Christy’s an Earth Mother, an artist with a passion for life. I was power walking through Washington Square Park this morning — the Philadelphia version, not NY — I took notice of a beautiful fall morning and I told her about that in an email. She would appreciate that. Christy doesn’t judge…another attribute I enjoy.” James Scarpella

“I met Christy through Facebook along with over a thousand others although she stood out. There is something amazingly warm about Christy that makes you feel as though you’ve known her for years. She is truly inspiring.” Deborah Wilson-Price

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“Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring.” Lorrin L. Lee

“Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.”  Victoria Holt

“Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.” Author Unknown

Darlene is surrounded by three wonderful men; her husband Travis Lewis, and two adult sons Darrice, and Grover Price. She is also grandmother, daughter, sister, minister, and friend.

She was born in Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated from Phillips Business College. Darlene is an ordained minister with the Bread of Heaven Ministries. She donates countless hours to feed the hungry through the non-profit organization Feeding America Southwest Virginia. Her company Just Moving Incorporated provides toys, clothes, and school supplies to children in need. She continues to be a blessing in the local nursing homes where she prays with and for the residents.

Her mission has been to positively impact the lives of others through ministry, teaching, and employing those in need. Darlene and her husband started their grassroots business Just Moving Incorporated in January 2003. She worked endless nights, and weekends to make that dream a reality. Darlene strives not only to assist young men and women with securing employment she encourages them to find their purpose in life. “The biggest obstacles for many of the men was that employers viewed as unemployable this was in large part due to their past mistakes. Many of the men needed assistance with how to fill out a job application correctly, had no form of identification, no transportation etc.”

Darlene’s friends and family members state that she is there when you need her. During hurricane Katrina, Darlene and her husband loaded up their truck and transported food, water, and blankets to those displaced by Katrina. She believes we are here to be of encouragement and help to one another. Simply because we are all children of God and should love others as he loves us. “God will always be the source of my  inspiration. With him leading all things are possible. Allow him to lead you as well.”

I can now say undoubtedly that Red Velvet Cake may be sweet, however Darlene is definitely sweeter.

Sweet Thoughts:

Henry Ford; I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn’t need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about.

Martin Luther King Jr.; All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

Food Network, Paula Dean

My mother taught me all I needed to know. “He stood when others chose to sit. He spoke when others remained quiet. He preached love when others embraced hate.”

She took my hand in hers as tears streamed down her face. “He was simply a great man.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Don’t get me wrong I understand that life a blessing and thank God daily for allowing me to live another day. With that being said, the idea of turning forty scares the hell out of me. There it is I said it…can’t take it back…wouldn’t even if I could.

There are a few things that I would like to accomplish before the big day arrives; write a novel that will inspire others to do the same, learn how to swim, get all the girls in my family; hit the road stop at any city that looks remotely cool and have a blast, take my family on a tour of Italy, buy a Mustang convertible and just drive!

The physicalities of turning forty may not be within my control, but what I can do is make forty look good. By living each day to the fullest, and simply enjoying the sweet things in life.

Cyndi is the loving mother of two wonderful teenagers; Callie and Chris. She is also wife, daughter, sister, and trusted friend.

Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, she graduated from the Southern Seminary Women’s College and has worked full-time in the human service field for over eight years. Her life has been dedicated to improving the lives of others and she believes that no matter what situation a person may go through, their circumstances does not have to define who they are.

“Some people have a harder time navigating through this life, than others. I believe everyone has something to contribute.”

Cyndi has served on the PTA for many years and encourages other parents to become involved in their children’s education. She has been actively involved in varies charities that help to improve the lives of children and animals. Cyndi’s support for the SPCA began with the care and concern for her own two dogs. 

Her greatest loss was the death of her mother. “I depended on my mother for her friendship, support…everything. My mother taught me that death was a part of life and she asked that we celebrate her life instead of mourning her passing.”

Cyndi lives her life with few regrets and faces every challenge with the unconditional love and support of her family. Her friends believe that Cyndi applies her life experiences to help others through their difficult situations. She enjoys the simple things in life; helping others, being with her children, spending time with family, playing with her dogs. 

I can now say undoubtably that although Sock it to Me Cake maybe sweet, Cyndi is definitely sweeter.

Sweet Thoughts:

Tanya Firebaugh Spinnato, “I think Cyndi’s best quality is that she is so loyal. If you are a friend or a member of the family. She will always be there for you be the first one to stand up for you, hold your hand and share your joy. No matter what, you can always rely on Cyndi.”

Denise Ellis, “She is caring, giving, and goes above and beyond for other people. She is selfless, and I admire her strength under tremendous personal stress. “

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Mama Neely’s “Sock It To Me” Cake

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 10 min

Inactive Prep Time: 25 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients

Filling:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cake:

• 1 package golden cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For filling:

Directions

For streusel filling, combine all ingredients and set aside. Blend glaze ingredients and set aside.

For cake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, water, sugar and flour in a large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes with electric mixer. Pour 1/2 of batter into a greased 13 by 9-inch pan. Sprinkle streusel filling on top and swirl the filing. Spoon remaining batter evenly over filling. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 25 minutes invert onto serving plate, cool completely.

For glaze:

Combine sugar, milk and lemon juice in bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

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